Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (TRADFEST) (2-1) - Away since July 25, he finished second that day at Saratoga racing for a $20K price tag. Claimed that afternoon by Linda Rice, son of 'Unbridled's Song' is working steadily while Rice has him nicely spotted. Trainer is having a solid meet and she wins at a 26% rate first off the claim and at a 21% clip of of long layoffs.
2nd pick: #5 (Abolitionist) (3-1) - Another racing first of a claim. Speedy sort tired here at this $20K tag Jan, 5 in his first race in five months. Claimed that afternoon by Rudy Rodriguez, he's freshened him up for five weeks. The leading trainer here, he's 32-for-132 (24%) and wins at a 38% first of the claim. Rodriguez won yesterday's finale with a horse with a similar scenario.
3rd pick: #8 (Enduring Warrior) (4-1) - From the same barn (Linda Rice) as 'Tradfest' and the pair race uncoupled. He tired last out to finish fourth at his level and distance Jan. 26. He was much sharper in four straight prior to that and in his latest he did not seem comfortable from his rail post. The move of the inside is a plus for him.
4th pick: #6 (Cornedbeefncabbage) (6-1) - Even-paced type finished in front of 'Enduring Warrior' last out. Stretch runner will need a fast and/or contested pace for anything more than a minor award.